Ile de la Cité is one of two natural islands – along with Ile Saint-Louis – in the River Seine and boasts some of the most thrilling historic sites in Paris. See the famous Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, the Conciergerie prison or Sainte-Chapelle, or simply enjoy exploring this truly unique location during your next stay at Hotel Paris France.
Notre-Dame de Paris is one of the most famous and most recognisable cathedrals in the world, and each year thousands of visitors come to marvel at its French Gothic architecture and magnificent altars and stained glass. Others come to see the cathedral that inspired the classic Victor Hugo book, ‘The Hunchback of Notre-Dame’ or to climb to the two iconic towers for spectacular views over the river and the heart of Paris.
Magnificent buildings with a unique history
Lovers of history can’t fail to be impressed by the Conciergerie, the former prison where Queen Marie Antoinette and hundreds of others waited for their appointment with Madame Guillotine. Once part of a royal palace, the Conciergerie can be found on the west end of Ile de la Cité and although it is still used as a judicial building today, some parts are open to the public.
No visit to Ile de la Cité is complete without a visit to the Sainte-Chapelle. The chapel is considered one of the highest achievements of Gothic architecture in the Rayonnant style. Its domed and vaulted ceilings and fabulous stained glass windows which date from the 13th century will take your breath away.
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- Ile de la Cité (Metro : Cité, line 4 – Saint-Michel, lines 4, 10 – Châtelet, lines 7, 11, 14)
- Conciergerie : 2, boulevard du Palais, Paris 1er
- Sainte Chapelle : 8, boulevard du Palais, Paris 1e
- Notre Dame de Paris : 6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, Paris 4e
Hotel Paris France, a charming 2-star hotel near the Louvre
Picture copyright holder : Tourist Office Paris - Photographe Daniel Thierry